Royal Oak girls on journey to help the thirsty in South Sudan

These Addams Elementary students in Royal Oak have raised $1,100 so far to help fund the drilling of water wells in South Sudan after reading the book “A Long Walk to Water.” Back row, from left, are Audrey Stocker, Kate Gooch, Anna Twork and Katie Beaulieu, Emily Chafetz, Sarah Barnett in front. Kristin Smith photo

A book called “A Long Walk to Water” moved six Royal Oak girls to raise money one step at a time to drill water wells in South Sudan.

The girls are all fifth graders at Addams Elementary school and have been in the same book club since second grade. Part of their mission is to give girls in the African county enough time to go to school instead of carrying water all day.

It was only after reading the book that the Royal Oak girls went on to learn more about Dut and how he established the Water for South Sudan fundraising effort, said Emily Chafetz, 10.

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The book’s story brought tears to Chafetz’s eyes.

“I was sad for those girls who couldn’t go to school because they had to walk all day to get water for their families,” she said. “We were really inspired by the book to do something about it.”

Chaftez worked along with classmates Katie Beaulieu, Kate Gooch, Anna Twork, Sarah Barnett and Audrey Stocker to take action.

“They read the book over spring break and emailed school Principal Joe Youanes asking if they could raise money,” said Kristin Smith, a teacher at Addams.

With permission granted, the girls created presentations for all the grade levels at their 470-student school seeking donations at the beginning of May.

They also reached out to businesses such as Hollywood Market and Uncle Andy’s Pizza to supply treats as prizes for those classes that raise the most money.

“They wanted to make everybody a part of it,” Smith said.

The girls sold paper footprints for a $1 each that students could buy and decorate for display throughout the elementary school.

“They hung the footprints in hallways to symbolize the long walk to water,” Smith said. “It really made an impact. Their goal at first was to raise $300 but they have raised $1.100 so far.”

Along with the promise of donated edible prizes, the girls further introduced an element of friendly competition and each week post the classes that raise the most money.

Smith teaches third grade at Addams but also oversees student activities at the school, including the girls’ fund drive. One of Chafetz’s jobs in the undertaking is to reach out and get media attention for what she and her classmates are doing.

“It was really a group effort,” Smith said. “They are very engaged and are really a great example of the compassion and hard work we see in students at Addams, but they took it to a whole new level.”

Fundraising ends May 26, but the impact of the girls’ experience with the book and their work to contribute to a cause promises to last beyond that date.

“I’m grateful for having water but sad for those who don’t,” Chafetz said. “We’re hoping to give back to those who need it.”